Postseason awards

By Chris Dokish

I have been asked if I get to vote for any postseason awards, and if so, who did I vote for, and through the USBWA I do get to vote for All-American, as well as other awards. Here are my picks:

Player of the Year (Oscar Robertson Award): Evan Turner, Ohio State- The best all-around player in the country, in my opinion. As of now, he is currently averaging 19.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 5.8 apg, and 1.8 spg, all while also shooting a highly efficient 53.8% from the field. It's not often that you see somebody average both 9 rebounds and 6 assists a game, especially when you throw in nearly 20 points, too.

Coach of the Year (Hank Iba Award): Jim Boeheim, Syracuse- About a week ago I decided on Jamie Dixon, but I've since changed my mind. Boeheim has a team filled with a lot of role players yet still is the current No. 1 team in the country. If I had to vote for a top three, Dixon would be my second choice.

Freshman of the Year: John Wall, Kentucky- It doesn't take a genius on this one.

All-American (pick ten):

Evan Turner, Ohio State

Wesley Johnson, Syracuse- Another excellent all-around player and one of the best transfers in Big East history. Currently at 15.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.7 spg, 1.9 bpg, 37.9% from three, and 78.3% from the line.

Scottie Reynolds, Villanova- The probable Big East Player of the Year and one of the better guards in Big East history. Currently averaging 18.9 ppg, 3.4 apg, 1.6 spg, 41.6% from three, and 83.1% from the line.

John Wall, Kentucky- One of the better freshman in college history and the future No.1 pick in the NBA draft. Averaging 17.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 6.2 apg, and 1.9 bpg.

DeMarco Cousins, Kentucky- Another freshman who some think was better this season than his teammate, Wall. Averaging 15.9 ppg, 10.1 rpg, and 1.8 bpg. And all of that was in just 23 minutes a game.

Sherron Collins, Kansas- Physical and emotional leader of the team that's the favorite to win it all. Averaging 15.4 ppg, 4.3 apg, 36.8% from three, and 85.1% from the line.

Jon Scheyer, Duke- Co-favorite to win ACC Player of the Year because of his excellent all-around skills. Averaging 18.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.7 spg, 40.4% from three, and 88.3% from the line.

James Alexander, Oklahoma State- The current favorite to win Big 12 Player of the Year, he is fourth in the nation in scoring at 22.8 ppg, while also adding 6.0 rpg, 1.3 spg, 36.2% from three, and 80.9% from the line.

Devan Downey, South Carolina- One of the best little known players in the country, the Cincinnati transfer single handedly beat Kentucky with 30 points earlier in the season, then came back and scored 26 more in Lexington. He is the fifth best scorer in the country at 22.5 ppg, while also averaging 3.2 rpg, 3.6 apg, and 2.8 spg (sixth in the nation), while making 83.1% from the line.

Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young- One of the best pure shooters in the country, he became well known after going off for 49 points at Arizona. On the season, he is averaging 20.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.7 apg, and 1.2 spg. Proof of his great shooting can be seen in his 47.8% from three and 88.2% from the line.


I also vote for regional awards, in my case players that play in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Top player in the region: Reynolds, Villanova

Top coach in the region: Boeheim, Syracuse

All-District (10 players):

Scottie Reynolds, Villanova
Wesley Johnson, Syracuse
Greg Monroe, Georgetown
Austin Freeman, Georgetown
Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia
Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall
Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh
Andy Rautins, Syracuse
Ryan Wittman, Cornell
Charles Jenkins, Hofstra


While I'm here, I may as well also predict how I think the Big East awards will go, not necessarily how I would vote. This is always a crap shoot, of course, because you never know actually what people are thinking.

Player of the Year- Scottie Reynolds, Villanova

Coach of the Year- Jim Boeheim, Syracuse

Rookie of the Year- Lance Stephenson, Cincinnati

Defensive Player of the Year- Hamady Ndiaye, Rutgers

Most Improved Player- Tim Abromaitis, Notre Dame

Sixth Man Award- Kris Joseph, Syracuse

Scholar Athlete Award- Tim Abromaitis, Notre Dame


First Team (not including Reynolds):

Wesley Johnson, Syracuse
Greg Monroe, Georgetown
Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia
Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Dominique Jones, South Florida

Second Team:

Austin Freeman, Georgetown
Lazar Hayward, Marquette
Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall
Jerome Dyson, UConn
Andy Rautins, Syracuse (don't be surprised if he's First Team)

Third Team:

Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh
Tim Abromaitis, Notre Dame
Kemba Walker, UConn
Jamine Peterson, Providence
Samardo Samuels, Louisville


All-Rookie Team:

Dane Miller, Rutgers
Brandon Triche, Syracuse
Maalik Wayns, Villanova
Vincent Council, Providence
Alex Oriakhi, UConn